Hearing Loss?

[KatWrangler]

I went to the ear specialist this week and they did a hearing test. They confirmed I do have hearing loss. Enough that I am a candidate for hearing aids. Trouble is we are on Medicaid and the hearing loss may not be enough for me to qualify for assistance. The Audiologist said the test results suggests it's inner ear loss.

Any other Mamas here with hearing loss? Do you wear a hearing aid?

I got a copy of the results in the mail yesterday.

[KimPM]

Just wanted to offer support; I can't really help with your question. But, I have partial hearing loss in my left ear - it's directional - there's nothing at all coming from the whole back half of that ear. Plus whatever's coming in on the front of the left ear, the upper frequencies are gone too. However, the hearing in my right ear is good. Generally the only problem I have is locating the direction of sounds...usually it's only a real problem if there's a siren coming and I'm driving. (I also have a problem sometimes hearing DH if he's in the wrong place relative to me, and he would say that's a problem too )

Inner ear loss - would that be different than exposure to loud sounds-type hearing loss? In your case, are there any kind of supplement(s) you could take to help prevent more loss? Antioxidants? Anything that protects nerves, like people who have MS might take?

[KatWrangler]

I haven't been exposed to loud noises, no family history of hearing loss either. So I am baffled about this. I know as a child I never had ear infections. Only within the last 3 or 4 years I have had quite a few.

[CatsCradle]

I've had substantial hearing loss in the last few years, yet I'm in total denial. Had tubes in my ears several times in my youth, and my hearing issues seemed to level out. Now, I've noticed loss simply because I have found myself reading lips because in many situations I can't hear people talking. It is probably time to go to a hearing specialist, but dang, I haven't been to a regular doctor in years. It is a weird mourning process. Loss of hearing. OP, you shouldn't shy away from hearing aids if that improves your hearing. I'll promise to do the same.

[KimPM]

Originally Posted by KatWrangler

I haven't been exposed to loud noises, no family history of hearing loss either. So I am baffled about this. I know as a child I never had ear infections. Only within the last 3 or 4 years I have had quite a few.

Yes, that's how I lost my hearing many years ago...I had strep throat a bunch of times within a year, and once it got so bad it turned into ear infections and I totally lost all hearing. After doing treatment, the hearing came back but not fully in the left ear. It was left just as I described it. The good news is, it hasn't gotten any worse since then, and I've taken better care of myself since then.

[KatWrangler]

There is a hearing center place I have to call. I will call them this week to set something up.